Carlos Hyde Should Be Scouted By Tennessee Titans

Dec 7, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Carlos Hyde (34) pumps up the crowd prior to the 2013 Big 10 Championship game against the Michigan State Spartans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

A few weeks ago I wrote a piece about whether or not the Tennessee Titans would or should look quarterback for this year’s upcoming 2014 NFL Draft. While I still believe that may be a viable option, I want to look at another part of the Titans offense that needs a major upgrade.

The running back position has been a struggle spot for a few years now and Chris Johnson just isn’t cutting it anymore. Since his year as a 2,000 yard back his stats have been sub-par at best of what Titans staff and fans expect. Just a few weeks ago David Climer of the Tennessean reiterated the fact that Johnson is not worth the money he will be getting in 2014.

So the question is what is life like without Chris Johnson in the Titans backfield? Is Shonn Greene really as dependable as we want him to be? Will productivity (what little productivity there has been) remain with Grenne in the backfield? Should the Titans look for a running back at some point in this year’s upcoming draft?

I am saying that the Titans would be smart to scout and draft Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde. Now, before the scrutiny starts because I attend Ohio State and I’m a Buckeye fan, let me start by saying this is not a fluke. Carlos Hyde is the real deal and a back that has the right skill set, physical build, mentality, and overall ability to really succeed in the NFL. If you haven’t seen Hyde run, check out this highlight video from his senior campaign and check out NFL analyst Bucky Brooks remarks  on Carlos Hyde.

The best part about Hyde as a potential draft pick is that, as of right now, he is slated as a round two pick which would line him up perfectly to fall right into the Titans lap. This would allow the Titans to use their first round pick on whatever they see as the biggest need and then quickly move to snag Hyde with the second pick in the draft.

Hyde would be a nice change of pace from what Johnson offered and the guy is a beast out of the backfield. The combination of Hyde and Grenne in the backfield would excite me and it would be great to see them share snaps next season leading into Hyde becoming the every down back after a year or so. Excitement for our running game would be a nice change after a few years of down play.

What do Titan Sized readers think, is drafting a running back this early necessary? Do you like the tangibles Hyde brings or am I just another Buckeye fan proclaiming his greatness? Leave your thoughts in the comments, on Facebook, or Twitter.